Islamist Rebels in Homs Stepped Up Attacks This Week on Members of President Bashar al-Assad's Religious Sect

HOMS, Syria—Islamist rebels stepped up attacks this week on members of President Bashar al-Assad's religious sect here, provoking outrage among regime loyalists against a recent deal to grant hundreds of rebels safe passage out of the city.

Many people said the attacks appeared to target the Shiite Muslim-linked Alawite minority that constitutes the backbone of Mr. Assad's regime because they occurred in Alawite areas inside and near...